Research · In vitro
Activation of the human innate immune system by spirulina
Hirahashi et al. · 2002 · International Immunopharmacology
Key finding
Spirulina-derived polysaccharides (spirulan) activated NK cells and macrophages in human cell culture, independent of phycocyanin. The polysaccharide fraction was found to stimulate innate immune signalling cascades through TLR-dependent pathways.
Why this matters for consumers
Identifies a second bioactive mechanism — the polysaccharide fraction — alongside phycocyanin. Whole spirulina contains both, which partially explains why isolated phycocyanin ('blue spirulina') may not replicate all effects of whole spirulina.
Study limitations
In-vitro only; cell culture results frequently do not predict in-vivo human responses.
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Enhancement of immunity by dietary spirulina
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